Splay leg will NOT correct itself, and will become permanent if not repaired. First, check the bedding or bottom of the brooder. If it is too slick, that can actually CAUSE splay leg. Newspaper and some lightly textured paper toweling are too slick. They need to be on a rough texture. Putting them on a rough textured surface WILL sometimes correct splay legs if the problem has just started. If they really have splay legs, to me it looks like they're trying to "swim," which sounds like what you're describing.
Rather than the band-aids, I prefer to use pipe cleaner. You cut it the length to fit the normal distance between their legs plus some, and bend it like a used staple, putting the ends around each leg. I usually put it below the elbow/knee, but if the splay leg is really bad, you might need to use two. The band-aid works better for some. The babe willl have a tough time at first, falling over and having problems getting up, but it soon gets the hang of it and can move around fairly normally. It only takes a day or two to repair this condition.
Rather than the band-aids, I prefer to use pipe cleaner. You cut it the length to fit the normal distance between their legs plus some, and bend it like a used staple, putting the ends around each leg. I usually put it below the elbow/knee, but if the splay leg is really bad, you might need to use two. The band-aid works better for some. The babe willl have a tough time at first, falling over and having problems getting up, but it soon gets the hang of it and can move around fairly normally. It only takes a day or two to repair this condition.
Last edited: